United States

Hawaii launches 300MW renewable RFP

UNITED STATES: Utility Hawaiian Electric has opened a request for proposals (RFP) for 300MW of renewable energy projects to be spread across three islands.

TerraForm Power's Kaheawa site on Maui (pic: Klaus Obel)

The utility stated that the 220MW sought for Oahu, 60MW for Maui, and 20MW for Hawaii Island would be the largest amount of variable resources ever to be developed at one time in Hawaii.

Developers have until 30 April 2018 to submit proposals and have the option to include energy storage in their bids, the utility said.

It is expected that contract negotiations would take place in September, Hawaiian Electric added. Projects would be installed by 2022.

Hawaii has "significant wind resources" both onshore and offshore, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

"Because of the islands’ small grids, some larger projects using variable wind and solar technologies are incorporating energy storage batteries and other new technologies to regulate power and ensure reliability", the EIA added.

Hawaii has just over 205MW of operational wind projects, according to Windpower Intelligence, the research and data division of Windpower Monthly.

Have you registered with us yet?

Already registered?

If you see a comment you find offensive, you can flag it as inappropriate. In the top right-hand corner of an individual comment, you will see 'flag as inappropriate'. Clicking this prompts us to review the comment. For further information see our rules for commenting on articles.